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Physiological Demands and Contributors to Variance of Core Temperature in 162 Recreational Runners during Distance
Yu Sakamoto1, Sharifah Badriyah Alhadad1,2, Xiaohan Zhang1
1Heat Resilience & Performance Centre, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, SINGAPORE.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Recreational runners face significant physiological demands during hot and humid races. Starting core temperature, heart rate, body surface area, and speed influence peak core temperature in these events.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Environmental Health
- Sports Science
Background:
- Mass participation distance running events are increasingly popular globally.
- Running in warm-humid environments poses unique physiological challenges.
- Understanding these challenges is crucial for athlete safety and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the physiological demands of recreational runners in a warm-humid environment.
- To investigate the association between physiological parameters and body core temperature (Tc) during distance running.
- To analyze factors influencing peak Tc in a tropical race setting.
Main Methods:
- 162 recreational runners participated in 10km or 21km races.
- In-race measurements included heart rate (HR), Tc, skin temperature (Tsk), and fluid balance.
- Real-time monitoring and statistical analyses (correlation, regression) were employed.
Main Results:
- Runners experienced high peak HR and Tc, with higher mean Tc in the 21km race.
- Skin temperature (Tsk) showed an 'inverted-U' profile in the 21km race.
- Starting Tc, mean HR, Body Surface Area, and average speed were significant predictors of peak Tc.
Conclusions:
- Recreational runners encounter substantial cardiovascular and thermal stress in tropical conditions.
- Observed Tsk profile differed from laboratory findings, highlighting environmental impact.
- Identifying key contributors to peak Tc can guide safety strategies for runners in the heat.
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